Getting from Ellis Island to Manhattan: The Correct Ferry

Direct Ferry (Only Way)

Ellis Island is served exclusively by Statue City Cruises (official concessioner) from two departure points:

• Battery Park, Manhattan – South Ferry/Whitehall St. area (subway: 1, 4/5, R/W).
• Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park station.

Schedule & Tickets

• Ferries run ~every 20–25 min, 9 AM–5 PM (extended summer).
• Reserve timed tickets online (statuecruises.com) – includes Liberty & Ellis Islands, audio tour.
• Security screening (airport-style) at departure.

Common Mistake

The Staten Island Ferry does NOT stop at Ellis Island. It runs Whitehall (Manhattan) ↔ St. George (Staten Island) only—free, 25 min, great views but no island access.

After Ellis Island

Ferry returns to your departure point (Battery Park or Liberty State Park). From Battery Park, you're already in Manhattan.